In addition to their regular course load, the 80 students in the program
take 4 years of horticulture classes and an occupational competency test upon
graduation.

McKinley High School junior Sara Wheeler said, "We hardly ever have
book work. It's all hands on planting and growing.'

...hands on work they truly enjoy. They provide flowers for district
events, for neighborhoods, and these students are preparing arm bouquets and
corsages for a wedding.

McKinley High School junior Jessica Correa said, "You start with the
greens first. Then you put the flowers. Then you add the roses. And now we're
just wrapping them with ribbon."

"I'm learning right now how to transplant flowers. Many of these
students, like I, do not have a green thumb at all. But they say once they
delve in and get their hands dirty, they cultivate a love of horticulture.

"How does that look?"

"It's good."

Jessica Correa said, "I didn't know how to do anything when I first
started."

Robillard said, "It's different, but they embrace it. It's like a new
challenge."

Some of the students would like to pursue a future in horticulture. Most
embrace it as a hobby and new found passion.

Sara Wheeler said, "I'm actually starting my mom's garden now for her,
and planting all the plants for her, and doing the landscaping."

McKinley High School junior Laura Pastor said, "A lot of people, when
I tell them I do horticulture, a lot of people are really interested. They ask
if I can help them, and they ask a lot of questions, and it makes me feel
good."

It's easy to see the McKinley program is not only beautifying the school
and community, but it's beautifying the souls of teenagers as well.

McKinley's plant sale is Tuesday, May 13th, from 8:30 to 3:00. It's open to
the public. All of the proceeds go back to the horticulture program.